Cookie Sandwiches

The keys to cookie sandwiches are delicious cookies and your favorite frosting. 

To me nothing is better then homemade. 

In fact, I tried pre-made frosting last week...

even now I shutter at the thought,

and actually it's shocking to anyone who knows me too. 

I was telling a friend that I had tried to use it, and she actually gasped aloud. 

She knew my feelings about that pre-made,

processed junk that people try to pass off as treats.

In fact, that was the reason that I started baking for events.

I was sick of people spending money on treats that were too sugary

and ended up being thrown away.

Tired of celebration cakes that were just, okay. 

We all deserve better than okay.

 One of the most difficult decisions with cookie sandwiches is choosing what type of cookie to make.
I chose Chocolate Chip with and without walnuts, Oatmeal Raisin, and Oatmeal Cranberry with White Chocolate...I go a little crazy when I make treats. I can't make just one kind. You know that!

 Oatmeal Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies with Berry Buttercream:

 Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream:

 

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream:

 Chocolate Chip-Walnut Cookies with Chocolate Buttercream

 After the buttercream in the cookies have had a chance to set (I place them in the refrigerator), arrange the cookies in a box and share them with those you love.  Once they try these, they're going to love you as much as they love these sandwiches.

Aren't these beautiful?! Yum.

Now it's your turn...what kind are you going to make?

Or you can just wait for my first bake sale and purchase them for a good cause...

Yeah, you should do that instead.

Note: These can be made vegan and gluten-free
with small adaptations. Everyone deserves cookies! :)
 

3 am

 

I'm not sure what it is about 3 am...

I wake up (like I am now) and I mean...I'm awake.

Really awake.

I'm still really tired but my mind is churning.

Nothing is off limits at this time of the day.

I think about past regrets, dreams of the future, goals, laundry to be done, projects to be completed, recipes to be made, and whether I have to pee. All in the first few minutes.

3am, you baffle me.

But, I'm not going to lie.
I used to hate looking at the clock and seeing that crazy hour,
especially during the school year.
I have to wake up so early anyway, that 3am is a tease.
I have just enough time to fall back asleep, but not really get good rest.
And that's only if I immediately go back to sleep!
That's not happening now.  No sleep...not yet. 

But today, 3 am is beautiful. 

Many times, especially when I have to pee,
I think that Murphy must too. 

So we head outside to stroll.

Up and down our little street, soaking in the morning smells.

Nothing is more hopeful than taking a walk at 3am. 

Nothing has happened yet, but all of the possibilities are there.

ALL OF THEM! 

Even my crazy, hopeful dreams of the future are possible.

I love that.

So, we stroll.

And Murph sniffs.

We pause and I look at the sky...have you seen it at 3?
Man, it's beautiful...especially today. 

Maybe it's my new vision?

Nah, I do this often.

I love staring at a dawn waking up.

Again, there's so much hope in that rise.

As we stroll, I know that strolling,
at some point has to end.

And it does, usually when I see my neighbor
leave for his early shift,

Then it's time to head back in.

But I try, for as long as I can to hold the possibilities
of the day in my hand. 

Not too tight...dreams have to breathe.

But my dreams are within reach.

Thanks for the reminder 3am...
I needed that.

Just Beet It

 Or just beat it!

Versions of of "Beat it!" run through my head as I pick out different colored beets.

Michael Jackson

Fall Out Boy

I like these beats...but not others.
See, I'm not really a beet fan.
I know, I know.
Yes, they're good for you.
Yes, they provide vital nutrients.
But you see, I don't really like them.
My mom does though...and so do people that I care about.
So I pickle beets.
I tried a couple different pickling recipes, and liked them both.
But what I like most of all was a combination of both.
Oh no! Am I starting to like beets?!

Spiced Pickled Beets
Recipe modified from Bon Vivant by Candace Shaw

Ingredients:

6 lbs. beets

1 medium onion- sliced

3 cups apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon pickling salt

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup water

1 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ground allspice

Clean, sterilized jars and lids

Directions

1. Cut leafy greens and stems off beets; place beets in a pot.
2. Cover with water and boil until fork tender.
3. Cool beets, and remove skin (skin will peel away easily with your fingers).
4. Slice beets.
5. Combine vinegar, salt, sugar, spices, and water in the pot. Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes
6. Place slices of beets and onion alternately into sterilized, hot jars.
7. Pour vinegar mixture over beets and onions.
8. Remove bubbles by running a knife around the edge of the jar.
9. Prepare according to National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Store for at least a week to allow the pickling to take effect, then enjoy.

Or if you're like me, give them to someone who will enjoy them.

But seriously...how beautiful are these?!

Wow!

Something this beautiful, must be tasty. 

I think I might have to give these another try.